Milwaukee City Wire

Milwaukee, Mar 21, 2024 - The 100th anniversary of the citywide MPS Biennial Music Festival is set to take place on May 1 and 2, 2024, at the UWM Panther Arena, marking a century of musical tradition in Milwaukee.

District Music Curriculum Specialist, Sharie Garcia, highlighted the significance of this milestone event, stating, "Every school with a music teacher is participating in some form this year." She also emphasized the impact of funding from the 2020 referendum, which expanded music education in the district, allowing more students to partake in the festival.

Garcia expressed gratitude towards Milwaukee voters for approving the referendum, which supported the enhancement of music, arts, and other educational programs. She described the Biennial Music Festival as a way for students to showcase their learning and provide the community with an opportunity to appreciate their musical talents.

The festival, featuring over 3,500 students from 75 schools across Milwaukee Public Schools, will include performances by various ensembles, ranging from beginners to experienced musicians. Garcia noted, "The increased access to music education is the reason the school district this year has many beginning musicians who are in high school."

As a nod to its rich history, the festival will feature harp performances, a revival of a past program at MPS, and a celebratory trumpet fanfare. Garcia highlighted the festival's ability to unite students from diverse backgrounds, creating a supportive environment for young musicians to connect and learn from one another.

Students have been diligently rehearsing with their ensembles since mid-March in preparation for the upcoming event, which aims to celebrate not only musical talent but also the spirit of unity and collaboration within the Milwaukee community.